About Us
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Costa Rica's native wildlife. Working alongside the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), TRR provides expert care for injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals, with the goal of returning them to the wild whenever possible.
Built on the pillars of conservation, education, and research, TRR offers hands-on internship programmes for students and aspiring conservationists, providing practical experience in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and animal care.
TRR operates two facilities:
- Headquarters (HQ), San Isidro, Heredia – Rescue centre, veterinary clinic, rehabilitation facilities, and wildlife sanctuary.
- Release Site (RS), Nazareth, Sarapiquí – Final rehabilitation and pre-release facility for rescued wildlife.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
As a volunteer at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you'll play an important role in supporting the daily care of rescued wildlife while contributing to Costa Rica's conservation efforts. Working alongside our experienced team, you'll gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of the animals in our care.
Volunteer activities include:
- Animal care and feeding
- Animal husbandry
- Animal enrichment
- Facility maintenance and improvements
Volunteers primarily work with our permanent sanctuary residents, including toucans, spider monkeys, otters, greater grisons, birds of prey, parrots, macaws, parakeets, small wild cats, and other native wildlife.
Requirements
- Minimum commitment of 15 days (4 weeks or longer is encouraged)
- Valid tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years)
- International emergency medical insurance
- Willingness to work hard in an active, hands-on outdoor environment
No previous animal care experience is required. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, professions, and experience levels who are passionate about wildlife conservation.
Volunteer experience
A typical day varies depending on the needs of the animals and the sanctuary. Volunteers receive two consecutive days off each week, along with a 30-minute breakfast break and a 1-hour lunch break.
7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Prepare animal diets
- Clean enclosures and facilities
- Assist with sanctuary maintenance
- Support animal enrichment activities
As part of the Toucan Team, you'll help meet the daily needs of rescued wildlife while working alongside experienced staff and fellow volunteers.
Volunteer Fee: US$200
To support the ongoing care of rescued wildlife, volunteers contribute a US$200 donation, which directly funds the #PapayaisLife Fund. This helps cover essential expenses such as animal care, food, housing, and daily operations at the rescue centre and sanctuary.
Fee Waiver: International volunteers who commit to 12 weeks or longer are eligible to have this donation fee waived.
Accommodation is not included in the volunteer fee, but Toucan Rescue Ranch offers affordable housing options.
Volunteers can choose to:
- Stay with a local host family (contact details provided by TRR)
- Stay in the Volunteer & Intern House, just a short walk from the Ranch
The Volunteer & Intern House includes:
- Shared bedrooms (private room available)
- 3.5 shared bathrooms
- Shared living area and kitchen (available after 4:00 PM)
- Wi-Fi and laundry facilities
Accommodation Rates:
- Shared room: US$30 per day
- Private room: US$35 per day
Meals are only provided for volunteers staying in TRR's accommodation.
If you stay at the Volunteer & Intern House, you'll receive:
- Three meals per day, seven days a week (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Regular and vegetarian meal options
- Accommodation for most dietary requirements and food allergies with advance notice
Volunteers receive two consecutive days off each week to relax and explore Costa Rica. During your free time, you can:
- Join discounted day tours through our local travel partner
- Visit La Fortuna, Río Celeste, Manuel Antonio, Poás Volcano, Irazú Volcano, and Isla Tortuga
- Explore waterfalls, beaches, and vibrant Costa Rican towns
- Experience the country's incredible wildlife, nature, and culture
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